Physician assistants in radiology

Practice area 411 Clinical PRIVILEGE WHITE PAPER Physician assistants in radiology Background Physician assistants (PA) in radiology are licensed practitioners who practice under physician supervision. To qualify for practice, all PAs must first complete an educational program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or its predecessor organizations. PA educational programs are offered at medical schools, colleges and universities, and teaching hospitals, as well as through the U.S. Armed Services. These programs average about 27 months in length, according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). Upon graduation from an accredited program, the PA must pass a national certifying examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). To maintain certification, as is required by many employers, PAs must complete 100 hours of CME every two years and take a recertification examination every six years. All states and the District of Columbia have legislation governing the qualifications or practice of PAs. Before practicing, PAs must obtain authorization to practice from the appropriate regulatory board. In most states, this is the board of medical examiners. Almost all states permit delegated prescribing by PAs. More than three-fourths of states include controlled substances as part of that authority. All PA programs include pharmacology courses. Most of the instruction is comparable or identical to that offered to medical students. PAs must seek clinical privileges before practicing in a hospital. Privileges are granted based on education, training, experience, and competence. A PA s delineation of privileges usually closely resembles the privileges of his or her supervising physician. PAs can obtain education and experience in radiologic procedures during their surgical and radiology rotations while in a PA educational program. Further education and experience in radiology is available through formal training courses and radiology workshops. In addition, PAs in radiology can learn procedures while working under the direction of their supervising physician. Radiologists who wish to employ PAs should check the radiologic technology laws and ionizing radiation safety laws in the state in which they practice to determine whether PAs are prohibited from taking x-rays or performing other radiologic A supplement to Credentialing Resource Center Journal 781-639-1872 12/13

procedures. Some states require PAs to have additional training to perform radiologic procedures. Assistance in determining the requirements is available from the AAPA or state medical boards. For further information about PAs, see Clinical Privilege White Paper Practice area 165 Physician assistant. Involved specialties Radiologists, interventional radiologists, PAs Positions of societies, academies, colleges, and associations AAPA/SIR The AAPA published an issue brief titled Physician Assistants, Radiologist Assistants and Radiology Practitioner Assistants: The Distinctions in October 2011. According to the brief, PA programs are 27 months in length, and PAs undergo, on average, 2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice prior to graduation. To maintain certification, PAs must complete 100 hours of CME every two years and take a recertification exam every six years. According to the AAPA, each PA s scope of practice is defined by the delegation decisions of the supervising physician, consistent with the PA s education and experience, facility policy, and state laws. Common PA responsibilities include: Performing histories and physical examinations Providing initial interpretations of studies Performing pre- and post-procedure evaluations and post-procedure follow-ups Writing discharge summaries According to a 2008 AAPA position statement in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, PAs must graduate from a nationally accredited PA educational program, pass the national certification examination administered by the NCCPA, and obtain a state license to practice. Federally employed PAs must meet the first two criteria, but need not be licensed. PAs on the medical staffs of hospitals are subject to credentialing requirements that are similar to those of physicians. PA responsibilities must conform to institutional policy and state regulations. State and hospital requirements vary in terms of prescriptive authority, use of ionizing radiation, level of physician supervision, and credentialing. Most states leave the determination of specific procedures deemed within the PA s scope of practice to the supervising physician and the credentialing committees of 2 A supplement to Credentialing Resource Center Journal 781-639-1872 12/13

individual hospitals. Before hiring a PA, it is prudent for the supervising radiologist to contact the hospital or system s credentialing committee to determine if there are restrictions that would be relevant to the scope of practice for the PA position. This is especially important if more than one hospital is covered by the radiologists, because policies may differ among hospitals, according to the statement. The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) is cited in the AAPA s 2008 position statement as recommending that the PA perform procedures independently only after the radiologist and the PA are confident the procedures can be done safely and with high quality, regardless if state and local hospital regulations have been met. In addition, SIR recommends that, even after the PA is performing procedures independently, the radiologist remain available for immediate consultation should the PA encounter procedural difficulties or adverse situations. SIR also recommends that interventional radiology be a part of rotation for PAs during education; that PAs be evaluated quarterly in the first two years of employment; and that outcomes be meticulously documented. ARC-PA The ARC-PA accredits education programs for PAs to work in any field, not just in radiology. Programs are usually 27 months in length and consist of 2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, according to an AAPA brief on PAs in radiology, published in 2010. ARC-PA s Accreditation Standards for Physician Assistant Education do not specifically address radiology training for PAs. NCCPA The NCCPA administers the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination. To be eligible for certification and for state licensure, candidates must graduate from an accredited program. The NCCPA does not offer added PA qualifications for radiology. Positions of accreditation bodies CMS CMS has no formal position concerning the delineation of privileges for PAs in radiology. However, the CMS Conditions of Participation (CoP) define a requirement for a criteria-based privileging process in 482.22(c)(6) stating, The bylaws must include criteria for determining the privileges to be granted to individual practitioners and a procedure for applying the criteria to individuals requesting privileges. A supplement to Credentialing Resource Center Journal 781-639-1872 12/13 3

482.12(a)(6) states, The governing body must assure that the medical staff bylaws describe the privileging process. The process articulated in the bylaws, rules or regulations must include criteria for determining the privileges that may be granted to individual practitioners and a procedure for applying the criteria to individual practitioners that considers: Individual character Individual competence Individual training Individual experience Individual judgment The governing body must ensure that the hospital s bylaws governing medical staff membership or the granting of privileges apply equally to all practitioners in each professional category of practitioners. Specific privileges must reflect activities that the majority of practitioners in that category can perform competently and that the hospital can support. Privileges are not granted for tasks, procedures, or activities that are not conducted within the hospital, regardless of the practitioner s ability to perform them. Each practitioner must be individually evaluated for requested privileges. It cannot be assumed that every practitioner can perform every task, activity, or privilege specific to a specialty, nor can it be assumed that the practitioner should be automatically granted the full range of privileges. The individual practitioner s ability to perform each task, activity, or privilege must be individually assessed. CMS also requires that the organization have a process to ensure that practitioners granted privileges are working within the scope of those privileges. CMS CoPs include the need for a periodic appraisal of practitioners appointed to the medical staff/granted medical staff privileges ( 482.22[a][1]). In the absence of a state law that establishes a time frame for the periodic appraisal, CMS recommends that an appraisal be conducted at least every 24 months. The purpose of the periodic appraisal is to determine whether clinical privileges or membership should be continued, discontinued, revised, or otherwise changed. The Joint Commission The Joint Commission has no formal position concerning the delineation of privileges for PAs in radiology. However, in its Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals, The Joint Commission states, The hospital collects information regarding each practitioner s current license status, training, experience, competence, and ability to perform the requested privilege (MS.06.01.03). In the introduction for MS.06.01.03, The Joint Commission states that there 4 A supplement to Credentialing Resource Center Journal 781-639-1872 12/13

must be a reliable and consistent system in place to process applications and verify credentials. The organized medical staff must then review and evaluate the data collected. The resultant privilege recommendations to the governing body are based on the assessment of the data. The Joint Commission introduces MS.06.01.05 by stating, The organized medical staff is respon sible for planning and implementing a privileging process. It goes on to state that this process typically includes: Developing and approving a procedures list Processing the application Evaluating applicant-specific information Submitting recommendations to the governing body for applicant-specific delineated privileges Notifying the applicant, relevant personnel, and, as required by law, external entities of the privileging decision Monitoring the use of privileges and quality-of-care issues MS.06.01.05 further states, The decision to grant or deny a privilege(s) and/or to renew an existing privilege(s) is an objective, evidence-based process. The EPs for standard MS.06.01.05 include several requirements as follows: The need for all licensed independent practitioners who provide care, treatment, and services to have a current license, certification, or registration, as required by law and regulation Established criteria as recommended by the organized medical staff and approved by the governing body with specific evaluation of current licensure and/or certification, specific relevant training, evidence of physical ability, professional practice review data from the applicant s current organization, peer and/or faculty recommendation, and a review of the practitioner s performance within the hospital (for renewal of privileges) Consistent application of criteria A clearly defined (documented) procedure for processing clinical privilege requests that is approved by the organized medical staff Documentation and confirmation of the applicant s statement that no health problems exist that would affect his or her ability to perform privileges requested A query of the NPDB for initial privileges, renewal of privileges, and when a new privilege is requested Written peer recommendations that address the practitioner s current medical/clinical knowledge, technical and clinical skills, clinical judgment, interpersonal skills, communication skills, and professionalism A list of specific challenges or concerns that the organized medical staff must evaluate prior to recommending privileges (MS.06.01.05, EP 9) A process to determine whether there is sufficient clinical performance information to make a decision related to privileges A supplement to Credentialing Resource Center Journal 781-639-1872 12/13 5

A decision (action) on the completed application for privileges that occurs within the time period specified in the organization s medical staff bylaws Information regarding any changes to practitioners clinical privileges, updated as they occur The Joint Commission further states, The organized medical staff reviews and analyzes information regarding each requesting practitioner s current licensure status, training, experience, current competence, and ability to perform the requested privilege (MS.06.01.07). In the EPs for standard MS.06.01.07, The Joint Commission states that the information review and analysis process is clearly defined and that the decision process must be timely. The organization, based on recommendations by the organized medical staff and approval by the governing body, develops criteria that will be considered in the decision to grant, limit, or deny a request for privileges. The criteria must be consistently applied and directly relate to the quality of care, treatment, and services. Ultimately, the governing body or delegated governing body has the final authority for granting, renewing, or denying clinical privileges. Privileges may not be granted for a period beyond two years. Criteria that determine a practitioner s ability to provide patient care, treatment, and services within the scope of the privilege(s) requested are consistently evaluated. The Joint Commission further states, Ongoing professional practice evaluation information is factored into the decision to maintain existing privilege(s), to revise existing privileges, or to revoke an existing privilege prior to or at the time of renewal (MS.08.01.03). In the EPs for MS.08.01.03, The Joint Commission says there is a clearly defined process facilitating the evaluation of each practitioner s professional practice, in which the type of information collected is determined by individual departments and approved by the organized medical staff. Information resulting from the ongoing professional practice evaluation is used to determine whether to continue, limit, or revoke any existing privilege. HFAP The Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) has no formal position concerning the delineation of privileges for PAs in radiology. The bylaws must include the criteria for determining the privileges to be granted to the individual practitioners and the procedure for applying the criteria to individuals requesting privileges (03.01.09). Privileges are granted based on the medical staff s review of an individual practitioner s qualifications and its recommendation regarding that individual practitioner to the governing body. 6 A supplement to Credentialing Resource Center Journal 781-639-1872 12/13

It is also required that the organization have a process to ensure that practitioners granted privileges are working within the scope of those privileges. Privileges must be granted within the capabilities of the facility. For example, if an organization is not capable of performing open-heart surgery, no physician should be granted that privilege. In the explanation for standard 03.01.13 related to membership selection criteria, HFAP states, Basic criteria listed in the bylaws, or the credentials manual, include the items listed in this standard. (Emphasis is placed on training and competence in the requested privileges.) The bylaws also define the mechanisms by which the clinical departments, if applicable, or the medical staff as a whole establish criteria for specific privilege delineation. Periodic appraisals of the suitability for membership and clinical privileges is required to determine whether the individual practitioner s clinical privileges should be approved, continued, discontinued, revised, or otherwise changed (03.00.04). The appraisals are to be conducted at least every 24 months. The medical staff is accountable to the governing body for the quality of medical care provided, and quality assessment and performance improvement (03.02.01) information must be used in the process of evaluating and acting on re-privileging and reappointment requests from members and other credentialed staff. DNV DNV has no formal position concerning the delineation of privileges for PAs in radiology. MS.12 Standard Requirement (SR) #1 states, The medical staff bylaws shall include criteria for determining the privileges to be granted to individual practitioners and a procedure for applying the criteria to those individuals that request privileges. The governing body shall ensure that under no circumstances is medical staff membership or professional privileges in the organization dependent solely upon certification, fellowship, or membership in a specialty body or society. Regarding the Medical Staff Standards related to Clinical Privileges (MS.12), DNV requires specific provisions within the medical staff bylaws for: The consideration of automatic suspension of clinical privileges in the following circumstances: revocation/restriction of licensure; revocation, suspension, or probation of a DEA license; failure to maintain professional liability insurance as specified; and noncompliance with written medical record delinquency/deficiency requirements A supplement to Credentialing Resource Center Journal 781-639-1872 12/13 7

Immediate and automatic suspension of clinical privileges due to the termination or revocation of the practitioner s Medicare/Medicaid status Fair hearing and appeal The Interpretive Guidelines also state that core privileges for general surgery and surgical subspecialties are acceptable as long as the core is properly defined. DNV also requires a mechanism (outlined in the bylaws) to ensure that all individuals provide services only within the scope of privileges granted (MS.12, SR.4). Clinical privileges (and appointments or reappointments) are for a period as defined by state law or, if permitted by state law, not to exceed three years (MS.12, SR.2). Individual practitioner performance data must be measured, utilized, and evaluated as a part of the decision-making for appointment and reappointment. Although not specifically stated, this would apply to the individual practitioner s respective delineation of privilege requests. CRC draft criteria The following draft criteria are intended to serve solely as a starting point for the development of an institution s policy regarding PAs in radiology. The core privileges and accompanying procedure list are not meant to be all-encompassing. They define the types of activities, procedures, and privileges that the majority of practitioners in this specialty perform. Additionally, it cannot be expected or required that practitioners perform every procedure listed. Instruct practitioners that they may strikethrough or delete any procedures they do not wish to request. Minimum threshold criteria for requesting privileges for PAs in radiology Basic education: Master s or baccalaureate degree Minimal formal training: Completion of an ARC-PA approved program (prior to January 2001: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) AND Current certification by the NCCPA AND Current licensure to practice as a PA issued by the [state] board of medicine AND Professional liability insurance coverage issued by a recognized company and of a type and in an amount equal to or greater than the limits established by the governing body Required current experience: Demonstrated current competence and provision of care, treatment, or services for at least [n] radiologic procedures in the past 12 8 A supplement to Credentialing Resource Center Journal 781-639-1872 12/13

months or completion of an ARC-PA approved program in the past 12 months. Experience must correlate to the privileges requested. References If the applicant is recently trained, a letter of reference should come from the director of the applicant s training program. Alternatively, a letter of reference may come from the applicable department chair and/or clinical service chief at the facility where the applicant most recently practiced. Core privileges for PAs in radiology Core privileges for PAs in radiology include the ability to assess, evaluate, manage care, and diagnose conditions by various radiologic imaging modalities for patients within the age group of patients seen by the PA's supervising physician. PAs [may/ may not] admit patients to the hospital. They may provide care to patients in the intensive care setting in conformance with unit policies. Core procedures include: Perform history and physical Assist with invasive procedures Counsel and instruct patients, families, and caregivers as appropriate Dictate discharge summaries Direct care as specified by medical staff approved protocols Initiate appropriate referrals Order and initial interpretation of diagnostic testing and therapeutic modalities, such as laboratory tests, medications, hemodynamic monitoring, treatments, x-rays, EKGs, IV fluids and electrolytes, etc. Perform dye injections Perform initial interpretations on scans and x-rays Special noncore privileges for PAs in radiology If desired, noncore privileges are requested individually in addition to requesting the core. Each individual requesting noncore privileges must meet the specific threshold criteria applicable to the initial applicant or reapplicant. Noncore privileges include: Administration of sedation and analgesia Removal of portacaths Performance of image-guided insertion of central venous catheters Performance of image-guided lumbar puncture Performance of fluoroscopy Performance of needle biopsy Performance of angiography Reappointment Reappointment should be based on unbiased, objective results of care according to a hospital s quality assurance mechanism. To be eligible to renew privileges as A supplement to Credentialing Resource Center Journal 781-639-1872 12/13 9

a PA in radiology, the applicant must have an adequate volume of experience ([n] radiologic procedures) in the past 24 months and demonstrated current competence based on results of ongoing professional practice evaluation and outcomes. Experience must correlate to the privileges requested. Evidence of current ability to perform privileges requested is required of all applicants for renewal of privileges. In addition, current certification by the NCCPA is required. In addition, continuing education related to radiology should be required. Affiliation with medical staff/physician involvement: The exercise of these clinical privileges requires a designated supervising physician with clinical privileges at this hospital in the same area of specialty practice. All practice is performed in accordance with a written agreement and policies and protocols developed and approved by the relevant clinical department or service, the medical executive committee, nursing administration, and the governing body. A copy of the written agreement signed by both parties is to be provided to the hospital. In addition, the supervising physician must: Participate as requested in the evaluation of competency (i.e., at the time of reappointment and, as applicable, at intervals between reappointment, as necessary) Be physically present on hospital premises or readily available by electronic communication or [provide an alternate] to provide consultation when requested and to intervene when necessary Assume responsibility for the care of any patient when requested or required by the policies referenced above or in the interest of patient care Sign the privilege request of the practitioner he or she supervises, accepting responsibility for appropriate supervision of the services provided under his or her supervision, and agree that the supervised practitioner will not exceed the scope of practice defined by law and the written agreement Cosign entries on the medical record of all patients seen or treated by the supervised practitioner in accordance with organizational policies For more information Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant 12000 Findley Road, Suite 150 Johns Creek, GA 30097 Telephone: 770-476-1224 Fax: 770-476-1738 Website: www.arc-pa.org 10 A supplement to Credentialing Resource Center Journal 781-639-1872 12/13

American Academy of Physician Assistants 2318 Mill Road, Suite 1300 Alexandria, VA 22314-1552 Telephone: 703-836-2272 Website: www.aapa.org Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 7500 Security Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21244 Telephone: 877-267-2323 Website: www.cms.gov DNV Healthcare, Inc. 400 Techne Center Drive, Suite 100 Milford, OH 45150 Telephone: 866-523-6842 Website: dnvaccreditation.com Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program 142 East Ontario Street Chicago, IL 60611 Telephone: 312-202-8258 Website: www.hfap.org The Joint Commission One Renaissance Boulevard Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 Telephone: 630-792-5000 Fax: 630-792-5005 Website: www.jointcommission.org National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants 12000 Findley Road, Suite 100 Johns Creek, GA 30097 Telephone: 678-417-8100 Website: www.nccpa.net Society of Interventional Radiology 3975 Fair Ridge Drive, Suite 400 North Fairfax, VA 22033 Telephone: 800-488-7284 Website: www.sirweb.org A supplement to Credentialing Resource Center Journal 781-639-1872 12/13 11

Editorial Advisory Board Clinical Privilege White Papers Product Manager, Digital Solutions Adrienne Trivers atrivers@hcpro.com Managing Editor Mary Stevens mstevens@hcpro.com William J. Carbone Chief Executive Officer American Board of Physician Specialties Atlanta, Ga. Darrell L. Cass, MD, FACS, FAAP Codirector, Center for Fetal Surgery Texas Children s Hospital Houston, Texas Jack Cox, MD Senior Vice President/Chief Quality Officer Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian Newport Beach, Calif. Stephen H. Hochschuler, MD Cofounder and Chair Texas Back Institute Phoenix, Ariz. Bruce Lindsay, MD Professor of Medicine Director, Cardiac Electrophysiology Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, Mo. Sally J. Pelletier, CPMSM, CPCS Advisory Consultant, Chief Credentialing Officer The Greeley Company Danvers, Mass. Richard A. Sheff, MD Chair and Executive Director The Greeley Company Danvers, Mass. The information contained in this document is general. It has been designed and is intended for use by hospitals and their credentials committees in developing their own local approaches and policies for various credentialing issues. This information, including the materials, opinions, and draft criteria set forth herein, should not be adopted for use without careful consideration, discussion, additional research by physicians and counsel in local settings, and adaptation to local needs. The Credentialing Resource Center does not provide legal or clinical advice; for such advice, the counsel of competent individuals in these fields must be obtained. Reproduction in any form outside the recipient s institution is forbidden without prior written permission. Copyright 2013 HCPro, a division of BLR, Danvers, MA 01923. 12 A supplement to Credentialing Resource Center Journal 781-639-1872 12/13